Yishai Haimi-Cohen

Management of nontuberculous mycobacteria-induced cervical lymphadenitis with observation alone.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause a chronic localized cervicofacial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. The recommended treatment is total excision of the affected lymph node. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with an observational approach. Methods: Children with chronic nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) cervical lymphadenitis, whose parents opted for conservative treatment, were followed at our center from 1990 to 2004. The diagnosis of NTM was based on mycobacterial culture of lymph node specimens obtained by fine needle aspiration. The clinical laboratory and follow-up data were documented. Results: Ninety-two children with lymph node positive cultures of nontuberculous mycobacterium were included in the study. Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium hemophilum were isolated in 90% of the cultures. In most cases, the affected lymph nodes underwent violaceous changes with discharge of purulent material for 3–8 weeks. Total resolution was achieved within 6 months in 71% of patients and within 9–12 months in the remainder. At the 2-year follow-up, a skin-colored, flat scar in the region of the drainage was noted. There were no complications. Conclusions: We suggest that the observational approach can be effective for managing NTM lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children.

Parental Presence During Lumbar Puncture Anxiety and Attitude Toward the Procedure

We evaluated the anxiety state of 57 parents whose children required lumbar puncture (LP) as part of a diagnostic workup. We also examined parental attitude about their presence during the procedure. The parents were randomly divided into two groups: 29 (51%) were present during the LP (group A) and 28 (49%) remained outside (group B). There were no differences in the anxiety scores between the two groups. All parents in group A and seven in group B (25%) reported a preference for staying with the child should he/she need LP in the future. The results also showed that allowing the parents to be present during LP does not aggravate their anxiety compared with controls.

Effectiveness of Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Migraine in Young Children

(Headache 2010;50:219‐223)

Chronic Cheek Lesions: An Unusual Manifestation of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Cevicofacial Infection

The characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacteria cheek lesions in 7 children were reviewed. The lesions usually presented as nontender erythematous nodules and were associated with a positive purified protein derivate tuberculin skin test. Mycobacterium haemophilum was isolated in 4 cases (57%) and Mycobacterium avium complex in 3 (43%). Cytology and imaging were noncontributory. Resolution was prolonged.

Tethered cord syndrome presenting as a nonhealing cutaneous ulcer

The usual clinical presentations of tethered cord syndrome include pain in the lumbosacral region, gait difficulty, weakness, and bladder abnormalities. We describe an unusual presentation of tethered cord —a nonhealing gluteal ulcer in an anesthetic cutaneous territory supplied by the S2-4 segments. Unexplained cutaneous lesions may be the presenting sign of an underlying neurological condition.

Vomiting and migraine‐related clinical parameters in pediatric migraine

To investigate the characteristics of vomiting in pediatric migraineurs and the relationship of vomiting with other migraine‐related parameters.

Factors Influencing Response to Pharmacologic Treatment of Migraine in a Pediatric Headache Clinic

The responses of different patients to the same drug may vary as a consequence of biologic, psychosocial, and genetic differences. The aim of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with a response to pharmacologic treatment in pediatric patients with migraine.

Effect of High-Dose Glucocorticosteroid Treatment for Infantile Spasms on Quantitative Bone Parameters Later in Life

This study evaluated possible long-term effects of prolonged high-dose glucocorticosteroid administration in infancy. Thirty patients (16 male, 14 female; age 4.8–33 years) who had completed treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) followed by glucocorticoids for infantile spasms at a tertiary pediatric hospital at least 2 years previously were invited to undergo quantitative bone ultrasound. The mean speed of soundZ score was -1.085 ± 1.079 for the radius and -0.22 ± 1.19 for the tibia on the nondominant side (P = .0022). The difference from the reference mean (0) was statistically significant for the radius (P < .001). There were no significant differences in radial or tibial mean speed of soundZ scores by age (prepubertal versus pubertal/postpubertal). In conclusion, a high percentage of patients treated with glucocorticoids for infantile spasms have a low radial speed of soundZ score later in life. Long-term follow-up can help to prevent and treat impairments in bone density, especially in non–weight-bearing organs.

Long-term follow-up for ophthalmologic sequelae in children treated with corticosteroids for infantile spasms.

The aim of the study was to determine if early steroid treatment of infantile spasms is associated with ocular complications years after its termination. Twenty-five patients with infantile spasms who underwent prolonged treatment with intramuscular synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and oral prednisone were evaluated for ocular complications 2 to 33 years after treatment cessation. Patients were followed by an ophthalmic examination that included anterior and posterior segments and measurement of intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure was normal bilaterally in all patients. Findings on anterior segment examination were unremarkable. On posterior segment examination, 3 patients had an increased cup/disc ratio with normal intraocular pressure. In 2 patients, the increased ratio was considered an anatomical variant. Posterior segment findings in 2 patients were attributed to their background disease. In conclusion, early treatment with high-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone and oral prednisone for infantile spasm is apparently not associated with a risk of occular complications on long-term follow-up.